In a total of four days, Henry Clark had completely memorized and mastered the four introductory theoretical books on martial arts, reciting them fluently and even able to apply the knowledge flexibly, achieving full understanding.

That amounted to nearly 300,000 words and hundreds of illustrations.

While others took a full six months to complete the foundational theory of martial arts, Henry Clark managed it in just four days. This golden finger of his dream realm was truly heaven-defying.

With the theoretical knowledge finished, next came practical training in basic martial arts. This couldn’t be done behind closed doors; he needed the guidance of a martial arts instructor.

……

Henry Clark sought out his former basic martial arts instructor, Andrew Reed, who was currently teaching the new first-year students.

“You want to start learning basic martial arts? That’s the curriculum for the second half of first grade, right?” Andrew Reed exclaimed in surprise. “If I’m not mistaken, you’re already in fifth grade and will graduate at the end of the year. The Eunuch Academy doesn’t allow students to repeat a year, not even if you risk your life to shield the headmaster from a sword.”

Henry Clark replied, “I have no intention of repeating a year. I’ll take the graduation exam as scheduled in half a year.”

At that, Andrew Reed could hardly believe his ears.

Take the graduation exam in half a year, and only now start learning basic martial arts? What a joke! That’s like not finishing elementary school and then taking the college entrance exam in six months—utterly ridiculous.

“Are you making fun of me?” Andrew Reed sneered.

Henry Clark said, “I’m serious. Please, I ask for your help.”

Andrew Reed felt insulted and said coldly, “Get out of my way, I have a class to teach.”

He then walked off, giving Henry Clark no chance at all.

With no other choice, Henry Clark had to seek out the headmaster, James Thompson, and explained his request.

“You’re serious? You want to start learning basic martial arts now, with the graduation exam in half a year?” James Thompson said coldly. “If I were Andrew Reed, I’d have slapped you already. What do you take martial arts for? Martial arts require steady, step-by-step accumulation. Your wishful thinking of leaping to the top is an insult to martial arts.”

Henry Clark replied, “Headmaster, I’m not aiming to reach any great heights. For the graduation exam in half a year, I’ll learn as much as I can and score whatever I can. I’ll give it my all. I just don’t want to get another zero in the martial arts subject.”

James Thompson gave Henry Clark a deep look and nodded. “Fine, I’ll talk to Andrew Reed. Go see him again tonight.”

“Yes!” Henry Clark bowed. “Thank you, Headmaster.”

……

That evening, Henry Clark met the basic martial arts instructor Andrew Reed in the classroom, who looked very displeased. He dared not disobey James Thompson’s order, but he was even more resentful toward Henry Clark.

“How many points did you score on the first semester’s basic martial arts theory exam?” Andrew Reed asked.

Henry Clark replied, “Twenty-one points.”

“Disgraceful, a disgrace to the Eunuch Party.” Andrew Reed said coldly. “You didn’t work hard back then, and now you want to make an effort? Too late!”

Henry Clark did not argue.

Andrew Reed said, “I promised the headmaster I’d teach you basic martial arts, but there’s a condition.”

“Yes,” Henry Clark said. “Please tell me.”

Andrew Reed said, “You must first self-study the basic martial arts theory. Go read and master ‘Meridian and Acupoint Studies’ and ‘Fundamentals of Mysterious Qi Theory I, II, and III,’ and score at least 85 on my theory exam. Only then will we begin real basic martial arts training.”

Andrew Reed was making things difficult for Henry Clark, because scoring 85 on the basic martial arts theory exam was extremely hard. Normally, a passing score of 60 was enough to start basic martial arts training. An 85 would put you in the top ten. Andrew Reed was certain Henry Clark couldn’t reach that score, since four years ago Henry Clark only scored 21 on the basic theory. To reach 85 would take at least half a year of study—by then, the graduation exam would be over.

He wanted Henry Clark to give up.

However, Henry Clark nodded. “Yes, Teacher Andrew Reed.”

Andrew Reed was taken aback, then said, “Fine, let’s leave it at that. Go study ‘Meridian and Acupoint Studies’ on your own. I’m leaving.”

Henry Clark said, “Teacher, I’ve already finished studying all four basic martial arts theory books. You can give me the theory exam right now.”

“You finished studying in just a few days?” Andrew Reed exclaimed. “Impossible. Don’t try to cut corners.”

Henry Clark said, “If you don’t believe me, you can give me the test right now.”

Andrew Reed gave Henry Clark a deep look, then left without another word to fetch the first-year ‘Basic Martial Arts Theory’ exam papers.

“You may begin. You have one and a half hours. If you score above 85, I’ll start teaching you basic martial arts. If you score below 60, you’re just wasting my time—get out immediately!”

Chapter 10: A Jaw-Dropping Exam

A thick stack of exam papers was placed in front of Henry Clark.

The reason there were exam papers was that the first-year students had just finished their basic martial arts theory exam that afternoon, so the papers were ready to use.

Andrew Reed said, “And if you score below sixty, don’t ever talk to me about learning again. I don’t have time to waste on you. Go talk to the headmaster yourself.”

“Yes,” Henry Clark replied.

He then sat down, took out a graphite pencil, and began answering the exam questions.

Andrew Reed sat at the front to proctor, turned over the hourglass, and when the sand ran out, an hour and a half would have passed.